J-Slot Rocket Firing Boba Fett First Shot: This is a painted version of the Rocket Firing Boba Fett. These are essentially production figures that were cancelled by Kenner's legal department at the last minute. The figure is painted and the copyright date is stamped on the leg.

Few of these figures have the original rockets. Many collectors complete their figures with reproduction missiles that are only slightly different in color from the originals. The rockets that accompany this style of figure is nearly identical to the one that was subsequently sonic-welded to the production Boba Fett figures. The missile was changed for production however. Kenner formed a small tab on the bottom that aided in mechanically attaching the missile to the backpack in the released figure.

In contrast to the L-slot Rocket Firing Boba Fett, this figure's firing mechanism had a slot in the shape of a "J" so that the launcher could lock into place. This was designed to prevent kids from accidentally firing the rocket into their mouths, however the J-slot also became as hazard as the small piece of plastic at the bottom would easily break off.

According to popular belief, the cancellation of the rocket-firing feature was prompted by a death that was caused by a missile launched from a Battlestar Galactica toy. Information about this death and the resulting chaos can be found here.

Description: Chris Georgoulias
Photos: Gus Lopez
From the collection of Gus Lopez